Trip Overview
This 6-day trek offers a deeper exploration of the Ngorongoro Highlands and Lake Natron, combining stunning crater landscapes, Maasai culture, wildlife encounters, and dramatic Rift Valley views. Hike through Olmoti and Empakai Craters, visit traditional Maasai villages, and enjoy spectacular vistas of Oldoinyo Lengai, Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Lake Natron. With an extra day, you’ll have more time to explore, relax, or optionally climb Oldoinyo Lengai, making it perfect for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and nature immersion.
Details Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha → Olmoti Crater → Nainokanoka Camp
- Morning drive from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Scenic drive around the crater rim to Nainokanoka settlement.
- Afternoon walk to Olmoti Crater rim, with a stop at a small waterfall along the trail.
- Dinner and overnight at Nainokanoka Camp.
Day 2: Nainokanoka Camp → Empakai Crater
- Meet your Maasai guides and donkeys after breakfast.
- Trek through traditional Maasai bomas and grazing areas, observing wildlife such as gazelles, zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes.
- Trek duration: 7–8 hours.
- Arrive at Empakai Crater rim, with stunning views of the Great Rift Valley, Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and distant Lake Natron.
- Dinner and overnight at Empakai Crater rim campsite.
Day 3: Empakai Crater → Naiyobi Village → Acacia Camp
- Trek toward the Maasai town of Naiyobi, keeping sight of Oldoinyo Lengai, the active volcano.
- Explore Naiyobi village and interact with the Maasai community.
- Trek duration: 8–9 hours.
- Exit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area into drier, warmer terrain.
- Dinner and overnight at Acacia Trees Camp.
Day 4: Acacia Camp → Lake Natron Kamakia Camp
- Trek 6–7 hours, mostly downhill, passing the ash plains of Oldoinyo Lengai.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Oldoinyo Lengai, Lake Natron, and the Great Rift Valley.
- Visit the Engare Sero waterfall near the campsite.
- Dinner and overnight at Lake Natron Kamakia Camp.
Day 5: Lake Natron Exploration / Optional Oldoinyo Lengai Trek
- Morning exploration around Lake Natron.
- Optional: Climb Oldoinyo Lengai (full day excursion, requires advance notice).
- Trek or relax around the campsite, enjoying the unique landscapes and birdlife.
- Dinner and overnight at Lake Natron Kamakia Camp.
Day 6: Lake Natron → Moshi/Arusha
- Breakfast at the camp, with additional time to explore the lake.
- Drive back to Arusha, enjoying views of the Great Rift Valley along the way.
- Optional transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport.
- End of trek.
